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Our great prices include

  • Free cancellation and amendments
  • Third party liability insurance
  • Collision damage waiver
  • Vehicle licensing fee

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7 days a week.

Best value car hire from top brands

Costa Rica car hire tips

  • Where to pick up your car

    There are over 25 car hire locations in Costa Rica, and the most popular city is San Jose.

  • Top car rental brands

    The most popular car rental brands in Costa Rica are Dollar, Europcar, Green Motion and Alamo.

  • Best time to hire a car

    The cheapest months to pick up your car hire in Costa Rica are May and September.

  • Local currency

    Costa Rican Colon (CRC)

  • Side of road

    Right

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Hire a car in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has cast itself as the leading Central American destination for a tropical escape.

As one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, it’s a prime oasis for eco-tourism. The country's wild landscape encompasses rainforests reaching up to the clouds, volcanoes that rumble below the surface and tranquil beaches.

Adrenaline junkies are sure to get their kicks here and for those look for soothing relaxation, there’s plenty of that going around here too. Renting a car and driving the roads through Costa Rica is an adventure that will undoubtedly take you to the country’s hidden corners.

Car hire knowledge

Tips for hiring a car in Costa Rica

Road quality:Expect potholes. Lots of them. And manholes without covers, tree branches blocking roads, and dirt roads. Landslides and rainy season add to the poor road quality as well. Keep these factors in mind when considering the type of car to rent.

Night time driving:There aren’t many street lights in Costa Rica, so you should avoid driving at night if you can.

Fines:If caught drinking and driving, speeding, using your mobile phone or not wearing seatbelts, you’ll likely have to pay a hefty fine. Do not try bribing police officers to get out of a ticket, a bribery fine can cost 400 USD.

Protecting your valuables:Rental cars tend to stand out in Costa Rica. Do not give thieves a reason to break into your car by leaving any possessions in plain sight. Hide your things in the boot or better yet, don’t leave anything in your vehicle.

Car hire stats

Costa Rica car hire FAQAnswer
Most popular place to hire a car in Costa Rica San Jose
Most popular rental length 7 - 14 days
Most popular month to rent a car December

Type of car Average cost per day of car hire in Costa Rica*
Economy£26.30
Compact£22.50
Intermediate£28.80
*Based on a 7+day rental

The ultimate Costa Rica road trip

  • Juan Santamaría International Airport SJO

    The primary airport serving Costa Rica’s capital.

  • Car hire pick up point

    Most companies are located outside of the airport, some offer a pick up service from Arrivals to take you to their offices.

  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

    Possibly the most well-known cloud forest in the world, the trails here will take you through a vibrant ecosystem.

  • Arenal Volcano

    Explore this perfectly cone-shaped volcano, which was considered Costa Rica’s most active until 2010.

  • Rio Celeste

    Costa Rica’s most enchanting river, it runs a distinct electric turquoise, giving it a magic appearance.

  • Tamarindo

    This beach is a top hang out for surfers, known for its party and play atmosphere.

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